Unbiased and not-for-profit, the "Best of Class" Technology Awards continue to be what many call the Academy Awards of the dental industry.
Decided each year by a panel of dental technology experts following the Chicago Midwinter Meeting, the "Best of Class" Technology Awards recognize the dental products—from software, to materials, to lasers, and everything in between—that are redefining what it means to practice dentistry.
Formerly sponsored by the Pride Institute, the "Best of Class" Technology Awards are now sponsored by Cellerant Consulting Group. While the name has changed, what the awards stand for has not—they remain unbiased and not-for-profit under the leadership of Lou Shuman, DMD, CAGS, and they continue to be what many call the Academy Awards of the dental industry.
This September, Dental Economics will cover the awards with a special supplement, but in the meantime, we couldn't wait to share with you. So without further ado, we're pleased to present, in alphabetical order, the Cellerant "Best of Class" Technology award winners of 2016.
3SHAPE
TRIOS3 is a digital impression solution that enables you to be more efficient and more precise and enables your patients to be more comfortable through fast, easy, and accurate digital color impressions. TRIOS is an open system, which allows for a seamless digital workflow when working with labs or performing same-day dentistry with the TRIOS Practice Lab software. Unique features like shade measurement, high-definition (HD) photos, automatic bite alignment, openness, and flexibility make TRIOS the perfect digital impression solution for improving treatment and patient experience. The simple-to-use digital impression solution weighs only 340 grams and features a smaller, rounded autoclavable tip with a removable mirror for easy sterilization. Supporting the market’s widest range of indications and materials, including 3Shape orthodontic and implant software modules, TRIOS is available in a selection of models and prices.
AMD LASERS
The LiteTouch Er:YAG dental laser is AMD LASERS's newest addition to the award-winning Picasso line of soft-tissue lasers, launched in collaboration with Syneron Dental Lasers. This Er:YAG dental laser provides the fast-cutting, high-energy nonfiber, and minimally invasive treatment for both hard and soft oral and maxillofacial tissues. LiteTouch offers unsurpassed precision for a wide range of dental procedures. With a cutting-edge ergonomic design, LiteTouch is the world's most affordable and user-friendly all-tissue laser. The addition of the new LiteTouch allows AMD LASERS to tap into a brand new market by providing an effective and affordable solution in cavity preparation and bone surgery for any practice to provide a new level of patient care.
The new Picasso+ 7.0-watt soft-tissue laser and Picasso Lite+ 3.0-watt soft-tissue laser are the same—but better. More power, more easy-to-use functions, and the industry's first Picasso periodontal treatment timers for predictive and reproducible results are just a few of the improvements. The Picasso+ and Picasso Lite+ combine ease of use, portability, training, marketing, and treatment planning at a very affordable price. Each unit boasts a full touch-screen interface with preset modes: Continuous, Pulsed, Perio, Aphthous Ulcer, and Custom (Picasso+ also includes a Whitening preset). Each system features five-second and 30-second timers for Perio and Aphthous Ulcer modes (Picasso+ also includes timers for Whitening).
BIEN-AIR
The iChiropro by Bien-Air is a revolutionary implant motor system, controlled from an iPad and equipped with some of the best-performing attachments ever designed. Its CA 20:1 L Micro-Series contra-angle handpiece is equipped with an internal irrigation system for greater comfort, and the lifetime-lubricated ceramic ball bearings of its MX-i LED micromotor ensure an exceptional service life, with no maintenance required. The multiuser iChiropro incorporates the complete sequences of the leading implant manufacturers. It also offers the option of saving and exporting operation data in graphics and tables. This data is attached to the patient file built into the control interface. Available from the Apple App Store, the iChiropro application will regularly offer new functions.
With Bien-Air’s iOptima, any practitioner can transform an existing dental unit into a modern system equipped with a brushless and sensorless electric micromotor and an iPod Touch interface—all at an unrivaled price. With the option to fully customize procedures, the iOptima is perfect for all restorative and endodontic procedures. The micromotor's Smart Logic electronic management system automatically controls the power and compensates for speed variations. The performance and possibilities offered by the iOptima are improved each time you update the application free of charge.
DEXIS
CariVu is a portable caries detection device that uses patented transillumination technology to support the identification of occlusal, interproximal, and recurrent carious lesions and cracks—a much more inclusive detection of conditions—all without the use of ionizing radiation. CariVu hugs the tooth and bathes it in safe, near-infrared light. On the resulting images, enamel appears transparent while lesions appear as dark areas. This allows the clinician to see "through" the tooth, exposing its structure and the actual shape, position, and size of any carious lesions with very high accuracy without the need for removal of bacteria on the tooth surface, calibration of the unit, or translation of audio signals and numeric codes. CariVu images become part of the patient’s record, available for easy image comparison and sharing with colleagues and insurance carriers.
DOXA DENTAL
Ceramir Crown & Bridge is redefining the cement category. This simple and strong bioactive cement has changed the way dentists think about cementation. It’s not just about getting the crown to stick on. Ceramir C&B sets at a high pH, forms apatite, cleans up effortlessly, has the highest biocompatibility, and was shown to close artificial marginal gaps in a published study. It integrates with natural tooth structure, is stable in the mouth, and exhibits tooth-like physical and mechanical properties with self-sealing capabilities that result in an alkaline seal for more permanent acid resistance. Additionally, there is no sensitivity, making it the most patient-friendly cement available. Ceramir C&B can be used in your everyday practice with zirconia and other high-strength ceramic materials, metal, gold, and implant crowns. Not only is it ideal for these cases, but it also has superior retention to zirconia without the need for primers or special cleaners.
HENRY SCHEIN PRACTICE SOLUTIONS
Henry ScheinDentrix Ascend is a cloud-based practice management system that increases practice efficiency and eliminates time spent on backups, software updates, and server issues, so dentists can focus on patient care. The role-based interface in Dentrix Ascend is easy to learn and constantly updated. When a team member logs in, Dentrix Ascend displays a Practice Overview that shows the current status of their primary work items. Each day it displays a customized to-do list, so important tasks don't slip through the cracks. Because Dentrix Ascend is cloud-based, dentists can access practice data at any time, from any location or device. It simplifies the management of multisite practices, providing a central database and business reporting for the group while allowing flexibility for individual sites. User roles can be assigned by location and user, enabling multisite practices to give each provider and team member the interface they need to be most productive.
HR FOR HEALTH
HR for Health is a versatile HR compliance Software as a Service (SaaS) package that integrates seamlessly within the modern day health-care practice. The software package includes various modules that address your practice’s HR weaknesses to prepare for any employee or labor liability. The State and Federal Calibrated Timeclock tracks time punches across state borders. The Security Administration Module filters user rights at your discretion from home or from the office. Document Management files all of your important HR documentation without boxes or binders. Custom dashboard templates allows you to take ownership of branding and create structure to your liking. Employee Performance Analytics have built-in algorithms to identify employees who might be prone to HR violations. In addition to all of these features, HR for Health provides a dedicated staff of HR experts and attorneys to address all of your needs, regardless of the phase of your health-care career.
KERR RESTORATIVES
SonicFill 2 is a single-fill composite system that has been designed to meet all of the requirements for bulk-fill restorations with a single application of a single material. The system consists of a handpiece that applies sonic energy while dispensing a unique composite with modifiers that react to the sonic energy, greatly improving adaptation and reducing shrinkage stress. SonicFill 2 can be placed in increments of up to 5 mm. It offers excellent adaptation, low shrinkage stress, a high depth-of-cure, improved strength and wear resistance, and outstanding color matching and polishability.
That’s why more than 20,000 US dentists have left the lining and layering process behind and moved forward to reliable single-fill placement: filling cavities up to 5 mm in depth in a single increment with a single material and no liner or capping layer.
LED DENTAL
The VELscope Vx enhanced oral assessment system is the leading device for adjunctive oral screening, using proprietary tissue fluorescence technology to aid in the visualization of oral mucosal abnormalities that may not be apparent or visible to the naked eye, including oral cancer, premalignant dysplasia, infections, and trauma. In addition, the VELscope Vx can be used by surgeons to aid in the identification of diseased tissue around a clinically apparent lesion and assist in the determination of the appropriate margin for surgical excision. iPod touch integration via the Vx Photo System application allows for powerful, easy-to-use clinical photography of both white-light and fluorescence visualization examinations, resulting in improved case documentation and collaboration with referring clinicians. The VELscope has been used in over 25 million screenings by 15,000 practices around the world.
MMG FUSION
MMG Fusion is an all-in-one software solution for managing, marketing, and growing your practice. It’s equipped with the right tools to help you stay in touch with patients and attract new ones. With a single sign-on to one dashboard integrated with your practice management software, you will have everything at your fingertips. Stay engaged with patients, present a positive image of your practice on the web, manage marketing programs in one place, and make marketing decisions you feel good about. MMG Fusion’s Tools include over 50 easy-to-use features—including appointment reminders, online scheduling, reputation management, reviews and ratings, search engine optimization (SEO) and directories/social media (so you can get to the top of local listings), and e-mail marketing. Use your library of content to engage with new leads and existing patients, and increase conversions. MMG Fusion also features call recording and analysis and a marketing tracker, so you can track every marketing program back to specific patient revenue and learn what marketing is working.
ORASCOPTIC
The first and only adjustable magnification loupe, EyeZoom offers three magnification levels ranging from 3x to 5x. Developed to help health-care professionals view an operating site from multiple perspectives, EyeZoom conforms to fit the custom preferences of each individual. Whether you are an endodontist performing a procedure at 5x or a cosmetic dentist applying a veneer at 3x, the loupe maintains a consistent working distance at each magnification power level. Coengineered with Konica Minolta, the patent-pending technology provides edge-to-edge clarity and high-definition resolution.
The Spark is a cordless headlight that integrates with virtually any loupe or eyewear model.Featuring an innovative design, the Spark dispenses weight evenly across the bridge of a frame, minimizing concentrated facial pressure. Capacitive touch controls enable the clinician to turn the headlight on and off with ease in between procedures and patient consultations.Coaxially mounted to your loupe, Spark emits a focused beam of 32 lumens that uniformly illuminates the entire field of view.Maintaining compliance with blue-light testing standards set by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the cool white light of Spark delivers a desirable environment for shade matching.Spark employs constant current technology to ensure consistent light output throughout six hours of battery runtime. Additional features include a low-battery indicator that notifies the user when capacity is below 20%, and a versatile micro-USB charger for convenient on-the-go charging.
SHOFU DENTAL
Proprietary to Shofu and developed exclusively for dentistry, the EyeSpecial C-II digital camera achieves predictable clinical photographs for case documentation, diagnosis and treatment planning, patient communication and education, insurance verification, legal documentation, and laboratory collaboration. Equipped with eight preset shooting modes, a 12-megapixel sensor, and a FlashMatic module (a proprietary system of ring and dual-point flashes), this camera demonstrates true-color reproduction with an exceptional depth-of-field, as well as antishake attributes that ensure clear images. The panoramic LCD screen is larger than displays and viewfinders of typical digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) and point-and-shoot cameras, and it can be operated with a gloved hand. With gridlines that facilitate image alignment, the risk of photographing objects at incorrect angles is reduced. No extensive technical knowledge is required to work with the camera, so photography tasks can be delegated to staff members. Water-, chemical-, and scratch-resistant, the EyeSpecial C-II complies with infection control protocols and can be swiftly disinfected with a disinfecting towelette.
SOLUTIONREACH
Solutionreach is a patient relationship management platform that gives health-care providers the power to revolutionize the way they manage provider–patient relationships. The service is a suite of innovative, cloud-based tools for health-care providers to communicate with, engage, and educate every patient throughout the continuum of care. Along with improving provider–patient relationships, the platform helps decrease costs, generate new patients, and streamline practice workflows. Among the offerings available to Solutionreach customers are options including automated appointment reminders, Limelight real-time online scheduling, Healthgrades reviews, online reputation management, unlimited patient messaging, a HIPAA-secure patient portal, and many more. Solutionreach customers always have access to unlimited training and support from a team of live, dedicated client success representatives who help each practice maximize the platform to increase profitability, productivity, and patient satisfaction. By delivering the right message to the right patient at the right time, Solutionreach helps you make every patient feel like the only patient.
VATECH
The Vatech 10x8 Green CT represents the next generation of CBCT to enter the dental imaging market. Engineered by a company that dedicates 27% of its entire workforce to research and development, the Green CT platform embodies the spirit of passionate ingenuity while addressing real-life challenges presented to the clinician who is dosage-conscious yet discerning of image quality. Powered by Vatech’s high-resolution, low-dosage sensor, the Vatech 10x8 Green CT provides the clinician with a flexible selection of dosage control with minimal sacrifice to image quality. This dosage control is made possible by a 5.9-second scan time that captures the entire dentofacial region for optimal diagnosis. In instances when a high-resolution image is critical for acute diagnosis, the clinician will find peace of mind knowing that even in the event of high-resolution scanning, the Green CT is still FDA-cleared for pediatric use.
WEO MEDIA
WEO Media is a full-service dental marketing agency focused on helping dentists acquire new patients and retain existing patients. Service offerings include custom responsive websites, mobile websites, SEO, pay-per-click advertising, social media, online patient review generation, online reputation management and monitoring, custom video production, patient education videos, direct-to-consumer marketing (radio, print, mailers, TV), branding and design services, patient newsletters, marketing consulting, and more. WEO Media has rapidly gained endorsements in the dental industry because it focuses on customer service and provides what dental practices need and want. WEO Media has an impressive annual client retention rate of 92% to 95%. All services are offered on a month-to-month basis with no long-term contract requirements. Practice owners interested in learning more about WEO Media are paired with a marketing consultant who will talk with them to understand their needs, goals, competition, and budget. Based on that information, the consultant will develop and present a customized marketing plan for each practice.
ZIPWHIP
Zipwhip is a texting software provider working with businesses seeking to text using their existing phone numbers. Medical offices are using Zipwhip’s applications for true two-way conversations with their patients. Zipwhip is popular because scheduling appointments and communicating with patients are essential to operating a productive business. But phone tag and voicemails are ineffective communication methods because patients dread maneuvering phone trees or being placed on hold; they prefer to text. Conversational texting also reduces costly, time-consuming calls. Offices using Zipwhip are filling waitlists fast by texting from a recognizable phone number. Zipwhip texting is different from automated texting services and can be set up same-day without disrupting workflows. The key ingredient? Your existing number. Your business phone number is a vital piece of information, and patients are seven times more likely to respond to a text than a voicemail. Never miss a text message again—unlock the full potential of your phone number.
READ ABOUT THE 2015 "BEST OF CLASS" TECHNOLOGY AWARDS:
The envelope, please: The 2015 'Best of Class' Technology awardees
Behind the curtain: Interviews with 9 of the 2015 'Best of Class' Technology awardees
